Answers

I suscribed to the dictionary but I can’t log on to the forum. It says that my username and password are incorrect.

The dictionary and the forum are independant. To participate in the forum, you have to sign up to the forum.

I signed up to the forum but I haven’t received the email to active my account. Does it take long?

The activation email is automatically sent immediately after registration. If you haven’t received it after a few minutes, it’s either because the email address you registered is incorrect, or because the email was blocked by an anti-spam filter. Check your « junk mail » folder. If there’s any more trouble, please contact us.

I signed up to the forum but my account has been deleted.

In order to keep an account, you must post at least one message on the forum (your first post should be your introduction message). Accounts with zero messages are deleted after 30 days.

I WANT THE SAME ONE !

I would like the same style of tattoo as Dwayne Johnson "The Rock", the same sort of design, the same size, the same place on my body, but I want it to relate to my life.

That’s quite feasible. There are at least 3 options: - you can ask a tatoo artist who specializes in polynesian style and who knows about the symbolism. - if there aren’t any artists able to do that in your area and you can’t travel, you can order your tattoo design by correspondance. See our « custom design » page. - if you can draw, you can create your own design using the dictionary so you’re able to
understand the symbolism and choose the designs that represent you best. See our « custom design » page.

Was the sun on Dwayne Johnson’s chest made specially for him, or can someone else have the same design ?

The sun, as well as most of the other designs were custom made by Po’oino Yrondi, specially for Dwayne Johnson. They mustn’t be copied. However, you can have your own sun – or other design- custom made for you.

I would like to get the same tattoo as on the picture I’m attaching here. How can I get the design on paper ?

The rule is that you mustn’t copy somebody else’s tattoo. However, you can ask an artist to custom make a design for you in the same style. See our « custom design » page.

Can I use the picture on the page [url of the page] to get a similar tattoo ?

You can use the picture as inspiration. You can show it to the artist so he understands what you want and inspires himself from the style, yet without copying it.

I found a great tattoo on your site. I would like to reproduce the design for personal use. Could you give me permission ?

No, the designs belong to the artists. Only the artist can grant you such permission.

Would it be possible for you to send me the picture of the tattoo made by [name of artist] in the gallery [url of the page] ?

You can download the page yourself. Saving the page on your computer and printing it out : On the menu bar of your browser: click on File -> Save Page as; Save asType: Web Page, complete. It’s very important to select the Web Page COMPLETE option in order to download the image folder.

I WANT TO CREATE MY TATTOO MYSELF

Do you have a guide to drawing your own tattoo, combining the different designs ?

The purpose of the dictionary is to understand the meanings of the different designs. It’s not a guide that teaches how to draw. However, a guide to drawing your own tattoo is in the works and will be available soon.

I know we musn’t copy somebody else’s tattoo, but how do you get a different tattoo if
you want the same symbols ?

Let’s use an example : you want a polynesian sun (or shark, or some other design) because its symbolism suits you. You can’t copy someone else’s design but you can definitely have your sun custom made.

I’d like to get a Polynesian or tribal tattoo that represents me. How can I find out the meanings of animals, flowers, wildlife, etc. and use it to create my tattoo ?

That’s exactly what the dictionary of polynesian symbols is for. See our page « Dictionary – Instructions for use ».

WHAT DOES THIS TATTOO MEAN ?

Could you give me the meaning of the tattoo design/ picture attached in this mail ? Other similar question (same answer): Would it be possible for you to tell me the meaning of the designs on my tattoo if I send
you pictures of it ? The tattoo artist didn’t really explain them to me.

If you are subscribed to the dictionary of polynesian symbols and you can’t find the meaning of a polynesian tattoo, we’ll analyze it for you.

STYLES

What is the difference between a Maori tattoo and a marquesan tattoo? What are the different Polynesian styles ?

I heard that non-polynesian people can’t have real polynesian tattoos. Is that true?

No, that’s not correct. A non-polynesian person can very well get a polynesian tattoo. What is true, however, is that someone who doesn’t belong to a tribe, can’t wear that tribe’s specific traditional symbols. Consequently, if you want a traditional tattoo, asking a master tattooist
who knows the rules is esentially important. The rules are particularly strict for traditional Maori and Samoan tattoos. As far as modern polynesian tattoos, there isn’t any problem. Just make sure your tattoo is done by an artist who knows his stuff.

WRITING A NAME IN POLYNESIAN

Can people write their names in Polynesian writing ?

There exists no polynesian writing (besides rongo-rongo characters from Easter Island with which we don’t know how to write). However, we can very well write a name with regular letters polynesian style. A complete polynesian style alphabet is available in the dictionary.

ORDERING A CUSTOM DESIGN

I’m planning on ordering a design through your site. So I’d like to get a subcription for
one month, but I saw that it takes about 5 weeks to receive the final drawing. 5 weeks are more than one month; can I be sure that I will receive my drawing ?

Yes, of course. You will be in direct contact with the artist. You will be able to stay in touch with him even after your subscription time ends.

How long does it take for an artist to reply? I sent my request a week ago and I’m still waiting for an answer...

Technically you should receive an answer within a week. It’s good to be reminded that artists have to deal with dozens of messages every day, therefore, we need to be patient. Also, sometimes, messages may get lost. If you haven’t received a reply within one week, ask the artist whether they received your request.

How do I get a sketch (with my different symbols present on the tattoo) before getting tattooed ?

We don’t send sketches; we only send the design when completed.

If I want to order a custom design, what do I need to send? The symbols I want to include, pictures of tattoos I like ?...

Yes, among other things. The artists will also have you fill out a detailed questionnaire.

How much does a custom made design cost ?

The prices vary according to the size of the design. Count an average of €380 for a half sleeve. Our price includes: your design ready to print, the simulation on you, the meanings and the outlines for the stencils.

GETTING IN TOUCH WITH A TATTOOIST

Do you know of an artist specializing in polynesian style in this or that area ?

To find a tattooist specializing in polynesian style in your city or area, go to the page “Tattooists list” and use the Google search engine at the bottom of the page. Select “www” y type in “polynesian tattooist” and the name of your city or area.

I would like to make an appointment with [tattoist’s name]. I saw that you had made their address available but it doesn’t work.

The addresses I have are on the page « Tattooists list ». If an address won’t work, you can either ask about it on the forum, or you can call the artist using Skype (it’s cheap). Generally the tattooists’ phone numbers work.

Can you recommend a tattooist in [name of country] ?

Please present this type of question on the forum; preferably, giving the names of the artists you’d like an opinion on.

Could you point me to an artist in [name of city] who would be able to help me draw a tattoo that represents me ?

Please present this type of question on the forum.

GIVING THE TATTOOIST CARTE BLANCHE ?

Should I tell the artist what to do or should I give him the free rein ?

That’s the big question! It all depends on how much you trust the artist. If it’s a great artist, it is in your interest to give him free rein (after having told him your personal story).

I WANT TO BECOME A TATTOOIST

I’d like to become a tattooist. What are the steps to take ?

The best thing to do to learn that profession is to become an apprentice in a professional studio.
Generally, the one condition to it is being able to draw. There are training courses, books and videos available on the topic, but that’s not enough, of course. There’s also synthetic skin to practise tattooing on. You can’t start tattooing people after just one training course but it can perhaps help you find an apprenticeship. I suggest you post a message about it on the forum.

A GOOD BOOK

Could you recommend a good book or some other source of information on the meaning of polynesian tattoos ?

The best source of information on the meaning of the different designs is the dictionary of polynesian tatoo symbols, availabe online on this site. See details on page: “Dictionary”.

Is there a paper copy of the dictionary? I would prefer buying it as a book so I have
time to draw my tattoo and become knowlegeable of all the symbols.

No, the dictionary is not available on paper. However, you’re welcome to save the pages and print them out for personal non-commercial use. On the menu bar of your browser, click on File -> Save Page as; Save asType: Web Page, complete. It’s very important to select the Web Page COMPLETE option in order to download the image folder.

COPYRIGHT

Can I reproduce the site’s drawings, designs, photos, and texts ?

All the drawings, designs, photos and texts presented on tahititatou site are protected by copyright. All reproductions are forbidden without prior written permission. - We do not give permission to reproduce the PHOTOS sent in by tattooists or private individuals. - If you wish to use the DRAWING of a tattoo, please send us your request by email indicating
the url of the drawing and explaining the use you would have of it. - If you wish to reproduce a text, please send us your request by email explaining the use you would have of it, where it would be published, etc. See legal terms on page : “Copyright”.

HOW TO SAVE / PRINT OUT PAGES

I’d like to know whether I can save or print out some of the pages so I can read them in
my spare time ?

You’re welcome to save the pages on your computer and print them out FOR PERSONAL NON-COMMERCIAL USE. On the menu bar of your browser, click on File -> Save Page as; Save asType: Web Page, complete. It’s very important to select the Web Page COMPLETE option in order to download the image folder.

I found a tattoo on your site that would be perfect for me and I’d like to get it done.
How can I copy the picture ?

You can inspire yourself from it, but you mustn’t copy it as is. On the menu bar of your browser, click on File -> Save Page as; Save asType: Web Page, complete. It’s very important to select the Web Page COMPLETE option in order to download the image folder.

DICTIONARY ACCESS

I don’t have a credit card; can I pay with a check ?

You can only pay with a check if your bank account is either in France or in French Polynesia. Please contact us by email and indicate your name, address, bank, and subscription type. Checks in euros only.

I don’t have a credit card, I would like to pay by making a transfer. Could you send your bank account details ?

That’s quite feasible whatever the country may be. Please indicate whether your bank is in or
outside Polynesia. We will send you the bank account details by email.

I don’t have a credit card, can I make the payment through Western Union ?

Yes, no problem. Please contact us by email.

I have no money !

We offer free access to the dictionary if you have a tattoo story to share.

Otherwise there is plainty info available for free on tahititatou site and on the forum.
I suggest you make a research with our internal search engine on - tahititatou site, at the bottom of this page: http://www.tahititatou.com/links.html (make sure you select "www.tahititatou.com" button) - on our forum: click "research" link at the top of the page. Make sure you have selected "English" as language (language scroll down menu is below photo block.

I paid but when I try to log in to the dictionary with my username and password, it says I don’t have an active subscription.

Automatic access to the dictionary is given as soon as online payment has been made. Online paying system offers 3 options of payment: - through your Paypal balance –> immediate access - through credit card –> immediate access - by authorizing Paypal to charge your bank account –> access within 4-7 days
The first 2 options allow for instant access to the dictionary. If you choose the 3rd option, the payment isn’t immediate. Access is only activated once the payment has cleared, which takes an average of 4 to 7 days. Don’t hesitate to contact us if you have difficulties accessing the dictionary.